At Home Remedies for Dry Mouth

Home remedies for dry mouth and throat may ease temporary dryness by adding moisture and encouraging saliva production. Drinking water, chewing sugar-free gum, using an alcohol-free mouthwash, and running a humidifier at night are a few options worth trying. When dryness keeps coming back, however, dental treatment can help you identify an underlying cause and find lasting relief.

At her practice in Boulder, CO, Dr. Ania Mohelicki cares for oral health concerns that affect your day-to-day comfort. She earned her DDS from the University of Minnesota and has been practicing dentistry since 1994.

What Is a Natural Remedy for Dry Mouth?

One of the simplest natural remedies for dry mouth is water. Taking small sips throughout the day can keep your mouth moist, especially when dehydration is contributing to your symptoms.

You might also want to try:

  • Sugar-free gum or lozenges: Chewing and sucking stimulate your salivary glands and increase saliva flow.
  • A bedroom humidifier: Adding moisture to the air may be especially helpful when your mouth feels dry overnight.
  • Nasal breathing: Breathing through your mouth can increase dryness, particularly while sleeping.
  • Less caffeine and alcohol: Both may contribute to a dry feeling in your mouth.

Avoid tobacco as well, since smoking and chewing tobacco can make oral dryness worse.

What Does Dry Mouth Treatment at Home Include?

Dry mouth treatment at home can also include products that keep your mouth moist when water alone isn’t enough. Look for mouthwashes made for dry mouth rather than rinses containing alcohol. Oral moisturizing sprays and saliva substitutes are other over-the-counter options.

Your daily dental routine matters, too. Saliva helps protect your teeth, so persistent dry mouth may raise your risk of tooth decay and other oral health problems. Brush with fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary or highly acidic foods and drinks, and keep up with regular dental visits.

Don’t stop taking a prescription medication simply because you suspect it’s causing dry mouth. Many medications affect saliva production, so talk with the healthcare professional who prescribed it about your symptoms.

What Helps a Dry Mouth and Throat at Night?

Home remedies for dry mouth and throat can be particularly useful before bed. Keep water nearby, use a humidifier, and consider an oral moisturizer made for nighttime use.

Snoring, nasal congestion, and sleeping with your mouth open also tend to leave your mouth and throat unusually dry in the morning. If nighttime dryness happens regularly, figuring out why you’re breathing through your mouth may be more helpful than repeatedly treating the symptom.

When Should You See a Dentist for Dry Mouth?

Temporary dry mouth isn’t always cause for concern, but ongoing symptoms deserve attention. Dry mouth can be related to medications, dehydration, mouth breathing, certain medical conditions, or changes in salivary gland function.

You should also mention dryness to your dentist if you’re developing frequent cavities, mouth soreness, difficulty swallowing, cracked lips, or persistent bad breath.

Find Help for Persistent Dry Mouth in Boulder, CO

Home care brings relief in some cases, but recurring dry mouth can affect both your comfort and your teeth. Dr. Ania Mohelicki will evaluate your oral health and discuss factors that may be contributing to your symptoms. Contact us at 303-443-0998 to schedule an appointment at our Boulder, CO, office.

AUTHOR

Dr. Ania Mohelicki

Ania M. Mohelicki, DDS, is a cosmetic and restorative dentist at Dr. Ania Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry in Boulder, Colorado. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Minnesota and has been in practice since 1994. Dr. Mohelicki focuses on cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, biological dentistry, and wellness-based dental care. Her services include veneers, Invisalign, teeth whitening, sleep apnea treatment, and TMJ rehabilitation. She is a member of the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.

All stories by: Dr. Ania Mohelicki